Cindy Can Travel: pinoy travel

Reasons Why Visit Qatar (Part 2)

11:13:00

I have not got out of Dubai or Abu Dhabi Airport so I can only compare their airports to Doha. When I flew from Tehran to Hong Kong, I ...

11:13:00

I have not got out of Dubai or Abu Dhabi Airport so I can only compare their airports to Doha. When I flew from Tehran to Hong Kong, I transit via Dubai. I took both Emirates flights, and my baggage got to check through. However, I still found myself taking the bus and train in between terminals. The traveling in between took me more than forty minutes to complete. Therefore, one must pay attention and must make sure there is enough time to connect to their next flight. Dubai Airport is huge and despite its being modern and with shops open 24 hours, the way to your gate can get busy and packed with people.

I have been to Abu Dhabi Airport during my recent travel to Egypt. UAE It is one of the richest countries in the Arab world. The city of Abu Dhabi is known for its Ferrari world and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque which is the sixth largest mosque in the world. I have not been so I can't really comment about that, but what I like about their airport is its unusual shape, and it has a library with comfortable seats. The downside is the narrow space in the security area where we queued up next to the bathroom. The allocated space is fine for thirty people queueing up for security, but if it's more than that, a feeling of discomfort can arise.

And now, we get to Doha, Qatar, the richest in the Arab World with $140,649 GDP per capita. The airport totally blew my mind as I have never seen so many lounges in my whole life. There was a huge lounge that has two floors in it. Another lounge has a pool. There is a business class only check-in areas and that lamp bear designed by a Swiss artist, Urs Fischer. I guess you now know that I would opt for Qatar Airways if it has the cheapest airfare. I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for the service of Qatar Airlines.

Sticking to the topic, here are more reasons why I visit Qatar.

1. It houses beautiful horses! I had the chance to visit the Equestrian club where I met the most gorgeous horses I have seen.

2. The luxury of Banana Island Anantara is a dream beach getaway! We took an hour ferry ride to the private Banana Island. We have been incredibly lucky with a clear day, so I enjoyed the view thoroughly. When we arrive the island, we were greeted with singing and clapping by the hotel staff. It has every facility imaginable - spa, pool, crystal blue beach, bowling ground, a movie theater, several restaurants and bungalows over the water. Men, I have just been introduced to paradise. My favorite part of the trip!

3. Food choices are fantastic! I normally don't dig buffets, but Doha takes the buffet to next level! They take it seriously.

These two photos are from Double Tree by Hilton.

Then the lunch buffet at The Torch, Doha - very impressive.

And there's from the Banana Island by Anantara.

Alright, that is all from me about Qatar. If you have any questions or if you think I missed something, send me an email at cindycanwrite@gmail.com.

Rhine River Day 6: Koblenz

09:21:00

It was a lovely day when we reached Koblenz, a bigger German city located on both banks of the Rhine river. It has introduced itself to me ...

09:21:00

It was a lovely day when we reached Koblenz, a bigger German city located on both banks of the Rhine river. It has introduced itself to me very beautifully that morning when our boat docked. At the walking tour, I first saw this colorful building, with an interesting painting, and when you look closely at the rooftop, there were heads poking out.

There were artworks along the river.

But the best one is this William I Monument, mounted on a horse. During the World War II, it has been destroyed, then it was restored again in 1953. We turned right and continued walking where we saw a cathedral, and off we went to the cable car to the other side of Koblenz.

This cable car can probably accommodate 10 people, it was definitely bigger than the one in Hong Kong. Also, you can see the panoramic view of Koblenz with its 360 degrees windows. It looks scary, but then again, I reminded myself of the excellent and genuine technology of Germany.

There's the view of the monument from where we left. The main highlight of the other side of Koblenz is the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, which was built in preparation for the war yet it was not involved at all at any wars. The conquerors probably knew about it and tried to avoid it (LOL).

Despite not being involved in any war, when we entered the fortress, we have been able to see bombing equipments and hear fake gunshot sounds, as well as voices of soldiers commanding what. It feels like being in Disneyland, only this is less fancy. They have maintained it well.

Older version of a bedroom, kitchen, dining room and bathroom can be seen, which is only a model, they have not really used it. The guide told us that the soldiers lived here, and trained here. There was also a prison but I am unsure whether they have indeed used it.

It is a good news however that this fortress were spared during World War 1 & World War 2. It was a beautiful fortress offering 180 degrees view of Koblenz. We took the cable car back to the cruise, had lunch, followed by another tour focusing on the control room of the ship. As the cruise need to depart at 5:30 pm, we had another 2.5 hours to roam around the city to do shopping!

There were so much choices in the shopping streets of Koblenz, there were high end shops to tourists shops. I brought chocolates and stitched table cloths, there were also restaurants and cafés. However we had a long day, so I was exhausted, but very satisfied. :)

Rhine River Journal Day 2: Breisach - Freiburg

00:18:00

Sunday morning was spent in Freiburg. It is located around 30 mins. drive from the port. During this drive, on our left were endless fields...

00:18:00

Sunday morning was spent in Freiburg. It is located around 30 mins. drive from the port. During this drive, on our left were endless fields of asparagus, the guide explained that people were fond of white asparagus here. Back in Asia, I have never seen a white one, so I was really curious how it tasted like. What the farmers would do is cover the crops, blocking the sun as well as the photosynthesis process which makes asparagus green. When we saw it in the market, I found out that white asparagus costs more. As for the taste, I think I was too used to green ones, so I would still prefer green asparagus. White asparagus tastes okay, I can't describe it, then again, I'm not really a connoisseur.

Another good excursion from Breisach is the Black Forest, but I did not go there. That's right people! Black forest is not just a cake, it's a real forest in Germany.

During the bus ride, we have noticed lots of parking lot for bikes like the above, which indicates that the people living in the city are healthy because of biking, because they get the exercise that they need, also lesser car means less pollution.

We had a walking tour around Freiburg and we were brought to the cathedral. During the trip, I noticed the same setting in all the cities or towns we have visited, the main cathedral is where everything is.

The first church we have visited is the Freiburg Münster Cathedral, which was built around 1200. It was supposed to be in romanesque style but it later on evolved into Gothic style 30 years later. It is the only Gothic church in Germany that was completed in the middle ages (1300).

It was amazing up to the smallest detail. As per Mr. Wikipedia, the cathedral holds 19 bells which weights to 25 tonnes. It features colorful glass windows that depict the story of Christ.

There was a bazaar selling hams and sausages mostly!

And then, there's flowers! It was the spring season, so we saw lots and lots of flowers blooming. Spring time is one of the best time to go to the Rhine, you may not have a lot of sunny days during the trip however, it will be less crowded, plus you'll see lots of hue!

These kids were being pulled in this cart here. At this time, I was freezing so we grabbed a bread with sausage. It also started snowing so we all decided to hurry up to the bus.

In around Breisach, there is also the auxiliary castle and St. Stephan's Cathedral. That afternoon, before we return to the cruise, Ming and I went up to the town. One thing I have noticed was there were not much people in this town. During the walk, we only saw around 10 people. Imagine!

I love this little cute girl who pose for a picture in the St. Stephan's Cathedral. She can't speak English, as well as her Father, but they were so friendly!

I'll end this post here, the adventure continues in the afternoon! :)